Anna Kournikova was born June 7th, 1981, in Moscow, Russia, to parents Sergei and Alla. Her father Sergei, a lecturer at the sports university in Moscow, and mother Alla, who studied science of economy in Moscow, did not encourage Anna to play tennis for the ambitious aspect and the possibility of turning pro, rather they pushed Anna to play for the health benefits of the sport.

It is no wonder that at the prodigious age of five, she started to play tennis. February of 1992 she moved to the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida, to be with her coach, Nick Bollettieri. She was very successful whilst in junior competition. She ended 1995 as the ITF Junior World Champion ranked No.1. She won the Orange Bowl 18s, the 1995 European Championships , and the 1995 Italian Open Juniors.

In 2003 she made her last professional tennis appearance and underwent back surgery. But despite her fame on the court, Kournikova's star still shines because of her stunning good looks. Today she remains a top internet search and has ventured into modeling, becoming the most photographed woman in sports ever. Much of that includes scantily clad swimsuit spreads in such publications as Maxim, FHM, and Sports Illustrated's legendary Swimsuit Issue.

Over the years her good looks have also landed her numerous lucrative endorsement deals, the likes of which include Adidas and Lycos. She has also appeared in the music videos of fiancÚ Enrique Iglesias; and although she hasn't returned to pro tennis, she still plays in many exhibition and charity events.

Some say that Kournikova single-handedly changed the game of tennis. Her good looks drew attention to the sport, piquing interest from men and women alike and renewing the sport's draw. On the court, rising stars such as Maria Sharapova, Daniela Hantuchova and Jelena Dokic keep the trend going that Anna began, as all three are successful on the court and as models